There are train rides, and there are Sri Lankan train rides. The teardrop island in the Indian Ocean, may be small, but Sri Lanka packs in some of the world’s most thrilling rail journeys. You could find yourself rattling past suburbs with a fellow commuter dozing on your shoulder, or perhaps weaving in and out of the emerald green tea gardens and thickets of tropical forest.
The train ride from Colombo to Badulla will awaken all your senses. Take in Sri Lanka’s breathtaking natural sights as you traverse terraced tea plantations, lush forests and misty mountains.
Hang out the open doorways and feel the cool breeze of the hill country in your hair. Take on the chaotic hustle of street food sellers who board the trains at each stop, get yourself some crispy papadums or rice with curry, and break bread with a fellow traveller.
All along the way, reminding yourself that sometimes, the journey is just as magical as the destination.
Day 1 Colombo to Kandy (By Car)
On arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport you would be welcomed by SUNGATE LANKA TOURS guide and would be driven to Kandy. On the way to Kandy, you can visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage in the morning hours and watch how the elephants bathe and eat their food. It is an interesting sight indeed, particularly for those who are fond of animals.
Thereafter, you can visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, which is just a few kms from Kandy. Here you will find a wide range of flora including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, palms and much more. This is an enjoyable picnic spot for many locals and foreigners alike.
Evening city tour of Kandy and also enjoy a cultural show with traditional Kandyan dancers to entertain you.
We will then take you to Earl’s Regency for your overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 2 Kandy to Nanu Oya (By Train)
Before you depart for the train ride to Nanu Oya you will visit the Temple of the sacred Tooth Relic. . You will then proceed to the Kandy railway station for your first train ride in this rail tour Sri Lanka. Your destination from Kandy by train will be to Nanu Oya. During this train ride you would witness and enjoy the most breathtaking scenery ever! From Nanu Oya, a car will drive you to Heritance Tea Factory hotel in Nuwara Eliya. On the way, you will pass Nuwara Eliya town, where you can stroll down the small but unique town.
Overnight stay at Heritance Tea Factory Hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 3 Nanu Oya to Ella (By Train)
In Nuwara Eliya, we have scheduled a tea factory visit where you can learn about the manufacturing process of tea. You will then be driven to the Nanu Oya train station for your next train ride to Ella. This is another journey during which indulging in the beauty outside is a must. In Ella, you will stay at a luxury hotel known as the 98 Acres Resort and Spa.
Day 4 Exploring Ella
In Ella, you would want to hike to Little Adam’s Peak and get the best view at the Ella Gap. The Nine Arch Bridge is another attraction that you can visit in Ella before you return to your luxury hotel for another night.
Day 5 Ella to Yala (By Car)
From Ella, you will be driven to the southern city of Yala. Upon reaching Yala, a jeep safari at the Yala National Park is a must. Jetwing Yala is the hotel we have selected for your accommodation in Yala.
Day 6 Yala to Mirissa (By Car)
On day 6 you will proceed to, Mirissa which is a popular beach destination in Sri Lanka. Here you can spend plenty of time enjoying the exotic beach. Sri Sharavi Beach Villas is where you will spend a night in Mirissa.
Day 7 Mirissa to Bentota (By Train)
On day 7 during the early hours of the morning, enjoy an adventurous whale watching experience in Mirissa and then head towards the train station at Matara for your next train ride to Bentota. On this ride, you will see completely different scenery to what you saw in the hill country.
Once in Bentota, visit the Turtle Hatchery and relax on a boat ride in the Madu river. Your overnight stay in Bentota will be at Villa Bentota.
Day 8 Bentota to Colombo (By Train)
At the Bentota train station, you will board a train bound for Colombo and terminate your journey at the Colombo Fort railway station. On arrival in Colombo your guide will pick you and take you on a tour of the city of Colombo visiting several places of interest reflecting the various life styles of Sri Lankans.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Colombo
You would be transferred to the Airport in time for your flight back home.
